The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has, by a Notification dated 8^th October, 2018, issued the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Regulations, 2018 (“Draft Amendment Regulations”) proposing to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 (“Principal Regulations”).

The FSSAI has invited objections or suggestions from stakeholders on the Draft Amendment Regulations within 9^th November, 2018.

The objections and suggestions may be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002 or sent on email at regulation@fssai.gov.in.

The Draft Amendment Regulations proposes to insert a new sub-regulation 2.4.5 relating to ‘Display of information in food service establishments’ under the Principal Regulations. The new sub-regulations propose to impose certain display obligations on Food Service Establishments, which are as follows:

1. All Food Service Establishments, having central license or outlets at 10 or more locations, would be required to display the calorific value of each food items sold by them, on their menu cards or boards.

Additionally, reference information on the requirements of 2000 Kcal energy for an average adult per day will also be required to be displayed clearly and prominently.

1. Food Service Establishments will be required to display the following information at the point of sale or service of the food:

(a) any warning/gluten free and low gluten status in food;

(b) information relating to allergens in the food;

(c) logo for veg or non-veg;

(d) information relating to organic food or ingredients; and

(e) information relating to statutory declarations required under these regulations.

1. E-commerce Food Business Operators also would be required to provide the above-mentioned information in the menu linked with each food service establishment on their platform, where applicable.

1. Food Service Establishments would also be required to also keep written nutritional information on the food items sold by them in the form of booklets or handouts or on their website which shall be provided to consumers upon request.

The FSSAI has also clarified that these display requirements will not be applicable to :

1. Event caterers and Food Service premises that operate for less than 60 days in a calendar year (consecutively or non-consecutively);
2. Self-serve condiments that are free of charge and not listed on the menu;

         iii. Special-order items or modified meals and menu items as per customer’s request

[ Note: Kindly note that the term ‘Food Service Establishments’ has not been defined under the Principal Rules or the Draft Amendment Rules. We have connected with the department for clarification on the same and will intimate you as soon as we get a response.]

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

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